Is there any value in feeling shame or guilt?

1. 72

   Born2care2001posted 10 years ago

   Is there any value in feeling shame or guilt?
   
   The old cliche is that in everything there is a silver lining. What do you think?

   replyreport
2. 71

   nasser deepposted 10 years ago

   While I don't think shame should be the main barrier between us and committing wrong things, guilt if based on facts not misconceptions or pre-programmed stigma can be valuable in guiding our actions. Imagine a world where no one feels guilty after murdering, stealing from or abusing somebody.Guilt is somewhat like an internal compass that tells us when we are off road.

   replyreport
3. 39

   ChristinSposted 10 years ago

   Guilt is a very natural feeling that tells us we are doing something that goes against what we know to be true and right.  In that, it can be useful.  Shame is another thing, shame to me is when guilt takes over and is no longer a "reminder" but a way in which we hold ourselves back or degrade ourselves (or others). It does no good to shame or berate people. We can let people know our boundaries without shaming, yelling, berating etc.

   replyreport
4. 62

   krbalramposted 10 years ago

   When you feel shame or guilt,you are repenting on you bad activity.It actually purifies our heart.However keep on doing bad activity and repenting is foolishness.
   
   Yes you should be positve,but how long,this mundane world is full of difficulties.You will continue to face one problem or other.

   replyreport
5. 69

   Jared Milesposted 10 years ago

   There is definitely value in feeling shame, guilt, or really any emotion. We base our actions upon our experiences of the world, and we judge those experiences upon how they made us feel.
   
   Therefore, to be a well-rounded and intelligent human being, it is necessary to have felt shame or guilt, in order to then conversely feel empathy or redemption.
   
   So, you could say the silver lining within feeling these emotions, is really the development of a experienced character and set of values.

   replyreport
   1. 72

      Born2care2001posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you Jared. This is a well thought out and communicated answer and I would agree as long as the experiences which generate guilt or shame learning do not become habitual because the subsequent guilt or shame becomes toxic. Thanks for answering!

      replyreport
6. 60

   Kevin Peterposted 10 years ago

   I think there is no value in feeling shame or guilt. But avoiding situations that lead to such feelings are of great value. So always think twice before doing anything important in your life. Never regret later in life.

   replyreport
7. 79

   starbrightposted 10 years ago

   The cliche you mention I think is true, we all learn something from what we do or don't do as the case may be. But the feeling of shame or guilt can be so overwhelming and often destructive - depending on the situation and can cost a lot of energy for those that bear it. In my opinion the value of this type of emotion, which for some can be unbearable, is to next time avoid whatever gave us those emotions.

   replyreport
8. 81

   pstraubie48posted 10 years ago

   To answer the question, is there any value in feeling shame or guilt, my response is yes. If I recognize that what I may have said or done to hurt another because I feel shame or guilt then it is a positive things. If it leads to a reconnecting with someone who may have been offended by something I said or did then again it is a good thing.
   However if I am only stuck on a shame or guilt merry-go-round and it leads to naught, then it is self defeating.

   replyreport